Assistive technology for people with Parkinson's – does it work?
12 January 2010
The Parkinson's Disease Society has announced funding of nearly
£164,000 to King's College London to investigate whether assistive
technology really makes a difference to the quality of life of
people with Parkinson's.
We are keen to fund practical research like this which is looking at the real value of special equipment.
Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology is designed to make everyday life easier
for people with Parkinson's and their carers.
Parkinson's is a neurological condition that can affect all
aspects of daily living such as speaking, walking, moving, eating
and bathing.
A range of assistive technology is available to assist with
these daily tasks. Examples include:
- easy grip cutlery
- walking sticks
- wheelchairs
- voice output communication devices
- scooters
- remote control hoists
- accessible showers
- stair lifts
What the researchers will do
There is already some research showing that aids once purchased
are sometimes abandoned but Professor Sheila Kitchen and her team
are taking a more positive focus.
They want to find out how useful, safe and available this
technology really is and whether assistive technology can improve
everyday life.
Professor Kitchen and her team will talk to 80 people with
Parkinson's and their carers, living in South East England,
to find out what sorts of aids they use, who provided them, and
whether once supplied they meet the needs specifically of people
with Parkinson's.
Their findings will then be compared with those of 96 people
with Parkinson's and their carers from the rest of England who will
take part in focus groups.
The researchers will then identify the key findings and make
practical recommendations.
Funding practical research
Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Development at the
Parkinson’s Disease Society, comments:
"We are keen to fund practical research like this which is
looking at the real value of special equipment.
"This research will help to inform people with Parkinson's,
carers and professionals such as occupational therapists and
physiotherapists about the range and usefulness of what assistive
technology is currently available."
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